Senior Missionary Series – Talking to the Bishop

You’ve decided to serve a senior mission. You’ve prayed about it, received confirmation that you should go, you’ve thought about your finances and about the status of your family, and you feel this is the right step for you to take. The next thing you’ll do is make an appointment to talk to your bishop. Your bishop will help determine if you’re ready to go, if you’re worthy to go, and if you’re able to go. He’ll do this by asking you questions. He’ll double check to make sure that you’ve looked at your finances. If you’re a single sister, … Continue reading →

Senior Missionary Series: How Will You Know if You Should Serve?

So far in our Senior Missionary Series, we’ve discussed the need for seniors to serve in the mission field and also the requirements you need to fulfill in order to serve. But there will be those who meet the requirements who choose not to serve, and there will be others who do not meet the requirements, but yet desire to serve so strongly that they will do whatever it takes to change their circumstances so they can go. What category do you fall in? Are you – Ready, willing, and able? Able, but not ready or willing? Willing, but not … Continue reading →

Senior Missionary Series: Who Should Serve?

As we continue our look at senior missionary service, it’s important to note that serving a mission will not be for everyone. However, there are many who can serve who might not think they can. Many people who have reached retirement age are still healthy and active. Using guidelines provided by Gordon B. Hinckley, let’s discuss who should and who should not attempt to serve a mission. The first thing you should consider is your financial status. Do you have the means available to support yourself on a mission? If you are a single sister, your funding is subsidized through … Continue reading →

Senior Missionary Series: The Need for Senior Missionaries

The Missionary Training Center recently announced the one millionth missionary to go forth since the formation of the Church. What a remarkable accomplishment. How wonderful to think of all those elders and sisters dedicating a portion of their time to share the gospel. When we think of missionaries, we generally think of young men of nineteen and young women of twenty-one. However, there is a great need in the Church for senior missionaries, not only couples, but senior sisters as well. I quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Along with the need for young elders and sisters, there is a … Continue reading →

Senior Missionary Series: We’re Having a Senior Moment

Something very exciting is happening today. My mom is flying to England to serve a full-time mission for the Church. She’s a widow, so she’ll be teamed with another sister, and together they will seek out those who might be looking for the gospel. We’re so excited to send her off on this wonderful adventure and know that she’s going to have the time of her life. I’m also a little jealous – I’ve always wanted to go to England. She’s promised to take a lot of pictures for me. Many seniors, when they reach the point where their children … Continue reading →

Fishers of Men: What Are Our Nets?

When Jesus sought out His disciples, He told the men who had previously been working as fishermen that He would make them fishers of men, meaning that He would teach them how to gather men into His fold. We have also been asked to be fishers of men in our own time and in our own lands. As we tell others about the gospel, we act as fishers of men, inviting them to step into Christ’s net and be gathered up with those He calls His. But as we seek to share the gospel with others, what nets are we … Continue reading →

Remember the Missionaries at Christmas

Christmas can be a difficult time when you are away from family. It is important to remember the missionaries in your Christmas celebrations. If you have missionaries out in the field, you should remember to send them a card and possibly a package. It is also important to remember the missionaries that are serving locally in your area. You can do this in several ways. 1) You may want to invite the missionaries over for Christmas Eve or Christmas dinner. This can do a lot to help to ease the homesickness that the missionaries may be feeling. The missionaries may … Continue reading →

Missionaries and Calling Home

Missionaries get to call home two times a year. This is a wonderful time for both the missionary and the missionary’s family. There are things that you can do to help the calling time to go more smoothly. You can also help to make the time positive for both parties. 1) Take time beforehand to make sure that your telephone account will allow international calls. There is nothing more frustrating, then not being able to get through when you are working on a limited time frame. This simple step will save you a lot of heartache. 2) Make sure that … Continue reading →

A Treat For Missionary Moms

Over Mother’s Day, my husband’s aunt told me something wonderful that a complete stranger did to serve her. Her second son is on a mission, and so, of course, has been out of touch. However, a bishop’s wife called her up to let her know that her missionary was doing fine. In another ward, a sister (not sure if it was the bishop’s wife again, or just a member) emailed her some pictures. These contacts help to set her mind at ease. As a mom of four young children, I feel like I am constantly worrying. Of course, unlike dh’s … Continue reading →

Three Ways to Help Your Local Missionaries

When I first joined the church, I loved going on splits with the sister missionaries. Now that I have three small children – and one on the way – getting out is a bit more challenging. At the same time, my circle of contacts at present is mostly limited to other LDS sisters, which gives me few close friends to introduce the missionaries to. I would like to share a few ‘think outside the box’ ways that you can help the missionaries if you find yourself facing similar challenges. Be a people greeter. When you see the missionaries bringing investigators … Continue reading →